A Tough Choice

Chapter Seven

"Ethan!" I gasped as I opened the door.

He smiled slightly. I gasped as I took in his dishevelled appearance. He looked awful.

"Come in quickly, you're soaked!" I exclaimed.

"I'm sorry it's so late." he said quietly as he stepped inside and closed the door.

"It's fine, what's wrong?" I asked him gently.

"I didn't know where else to go." he said as he walked towards me and pulled me into a hug.

I grimaced slightly at how cold and damp he was. I gasped as he began to sob uncontrollably. My pyjamas were becoming soaked from his wet clothes, but I didn't pull away. He seemed like he needed me right now. I don't know how long we stood there, but it felt like an age. I looked up at him as he eventually let go of me.

"Are you okay?" I asked him, confused about what was happening.

He nodded slowly.

"You should take your jacket off, you'll get pneumonia." I told him.

He nodded and silently me handed me the jacket. I watched him closely as he perched on the edge of the sofa. I hung up his jacket and sat next to him.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't be here." he whispered.

"It's fine, it's what friends are for." I smiled warmly.

"We've only just met, I shouldn't have barged in here like this." he said as he started to stand up.

"It's fine, you can't go anywhere right now, it's late." I told him.

"Sit down, I'll find you something to eat." I added.

"I'm not hungry." he said quietly as he slowly sat down.

I watched him closely, trying to figure out what was wrong. I wanted to ask, but I was nervous that I would upset him again.

"I'm sorry about this." he said as he wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

"You don't need to keep apologising." I reassured him.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked him nervously.

"You remember the phone call earlier." he said slowly.

"Yeah, I was worried about you when you disappeared for the rest of the day." I answered.

"I am allowed to take personal calls because my mum has been in a hospice..." he started, his voice cracking slightly.

I sat and waited for him to continue.

"She passed away this morning." he whispered.

I stared at him in shock for a moment.

"Oh Ethan!" I cried as I pulled him into a hug.

I hugged him tightly. He didn't cry any longer, he seemed to exhausted.

"You can stay here tonight if you want?" I asked him.

"I don't want to impose." he said quietly.

"I insist, you shouldn't be alone." I insisted.
"Besides I have a spare room." I added.

He smiled slightly.

"How did you know where I live?" I asked, trying to distract him from his grief.

"I looked on the staff records." he admitted blushing.

"Sneaky." I smiled.

He smiled slightly. I watched as he curled up on the sofa and rested his head on my lap. I frowned in confusion. He was usually so awkward and mild mannered, this was totally out of character. He didn't even seem uncomfortable.

We sat in silence for a long time. I glanced at my watch and saw that it was eleven pm. I had to be awake early for work.

"Ethan my legs have gone numb." I told him.

I sighed when he didn't respond. I looked down and saw that his eyes were closed. He had fallen asleep on me. I smiled to myself. I closed my eyes and instantly fell asleep.